Retail

Lumber Liquidators spokesman Clint Roberts responded to sister publication HCN's requests for comment regarding the ongoing federal investigation into its sourcing practices. Multiple reports have suggested that the investigation is linked to the Environmental Investigation Agency, which claims the retailer is purchasing wood illegally in protected forests in Far East Russia.

New York -- Lord & Taylor, a division of Hudson’s Bay Company, has opened a store at Mizner Park, an open-air, mixed-use center in downtown Boca Raton, Fla. The two-level, 80,000-sq.-ft. store store marks the retailer’s return to the Sunshine State.

The new store features the company’s latest store design, which emulates a classic style but with a new, updated twist. A sense of glamour permeates the space, seen in such details as chandeliers imported from Italy and 300 mannequins that showcase strong fashion statements.

Virtual Piggy has become a Demandware LINK Technology Partner. Through the LINK Technology Partner Program, Virtual Piggy has developed a pre-built integration between Virtual Piggy and Demandware Commerce, making it possible for Demandware clients to implement its safe youth commerce solution in a fraction of the time normally required.

Dayton, Ohio -- Retail design and brand strategy firm Interbrand Design Forum has added nine new associates as business continues to grow with key retail and manufacturing  clients.
 
Allen McCormick has been named executive director, overseeing relationships with key client partners. Becky Lau was hired as senior consultant, strategy and analytics. Aaron Stancik is also new to the Strategy & Analytics group where he will serve as a senior consultant working on projects for Michael Hill and FedEx.

Tarrytown, N.Y. — DLC Management Corp., a national owner and operator of open-air shopping centers, announces the following new leases, signed during August and September of 2013.

New York -- UGG Australia will launch UGG by You, an online customization tool putting customers in control of the design process and transforming a visit to the retailer’s website from a shopping trip to a creative experience.

The customization tool allows consumers to mix and match an array of color schemes on two classic styles, the UGG Classic Short sheepskin boot and its Fluff Flip Flop, through a user-friendly design tool. There are over 11,000 color, outsole and trim combinations possible through the footwear personalization tool.

Pittsburgh -- Dick’s Sporting Goods grand-opened three new stores on Friday, bringing the total store count to 541 in the U.S.

The chain opened a store in Redding, Wash., at the Redding Hilltop Center, its 30th store in the state of Washington. A new opening in Victorville, Calif., at The Mall of Victor Valley, marks the 31st Dick’s store in California.

And in Kansas, at the Midstate Plaza in Salina, Dick’s opened its eighth store in the state.

Wilmington, N.C. — Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services has arranged the sale of The Forum, a 105,000-sq.-ft boutique retail center in Wilmington, N.C. The $24,680,000 sales price equates to $233 per square foot.

Marcus & Millichap’s Fort Lauderdale office represented the seller, the developer of the property, Swain & Associates, as well as the buyer, L&B Realty Advisors LLP, a pension fund. Swain & Associates will maintain its offices at The Forum and continue to handle leasing responsibilities.